Meiji Shrine
A shrine built in 1920 to enshrine Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Though it sits right by Harajuku Station, the roughly 70-hectare planted forest, set out by 110,000 volunteers with trees donated from across Japan, shuts out the city's noise entirely. Simply passing the great torii and walking the gravel path is calming.
History
Founded on 1 November 1920 to honor Emperor Meiji (1852–1912) and Empress Shoken (1849–1914). The 70-hectare forest around it is not natural but man-made: about 110,000 volunteers planted trees donated from across Japan in the emperor's honor. Species were chosen for how the forest would look 100 to 200 years on; some 234 varieties grow there today.
Getting there
A 1-minute walk from JR Yamanote Line's Harajuku Station or Tokyo Metro's Meiji-jingumae Station. Pass the large torii at the south approach and follow the gravel path to the main shrine.
Tips
- ·Open sunrise to sunset; main-shrine worship free (hours vary by season)
- ·1 min walk from Harajuku or Meiji-jingumae station
- ·Inner Garden and Meiji Jingu Museum (¥1,000) are separate
